Convocation 2025

Morning Ceremony | 9:30 AM    

Donald School of Business

• Administrative Professional Certificate
• Business Certificate - Skywings
• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Bachelor of Commerce – University Transfer
• Business Certificate
• Business Diploma
• Executive Assistant Diploma
• Human Resources Management Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
• Legal Assistant Diploma

School of Health and Wellness

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing – collaboration with University of Alberta
• Bachelor of Kinesiology and Sport Studies – University Transfer
• Health Care Aide Certificate
• Kinesiology and Sport Studies Diploma
• Medical Device Reprocessing Certificate
• Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
• Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistant Diploma
• Pharmacy Technician Diploma
• Practical Nurse Diploma
• Pre-health Sciences Certificate
• Social Work Diploma

School of Trades and Technology

• Apprenticeship Programs
• Instrumentation and Automation Engineering Technology Diploma
• Mechanical Engineering Technology Diploma
• Computer Programming Diploma
• Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
• University Sciences Diploma

Afternoon Ceremony | 2:00 PM  

School of Arts and Education

• Academic Upgrading
• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Education Elementary - University Transfer
• Bachelor of Education Secondary - University Transfer
• Early Childhood Education Leadership Development Certificate
• Early Learning and Child Care Certificate
• Early Learning and Child Care Diploma
• Educational Assistant Certificate
• Bachelor of Applied Arts in Animation and Visual Effects
• Bachelor of Applied Arts in Film Production
• Bachelor of Fine Arts – University Transfer
• Visual Art Diploma
• Bachelor of Arts (All majors) - University Transfer
• Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Justice Studies Diploma
• University Art Diploma

Continuing and Professional Education

• Accounting Technician Certificate
• Excellence in Teaching and Learning Certificate
• Life and Employment Skills for Independence Certificate
• Medical Office Assistant Certificate
• Network Administration Diploma
• Paralegal Post-diploma Certificate
• Recreation Facility Management Certificate – in collaboration with AARFP
• Software Development Diploma
• Unit Clerk Extension Certificate
• Activity Coordinator Certificate – in collaboration with Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association or ASCHA
• Site Manager Certificate – in collaboration with Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association or ASCHA
• Community Housing Certificate – in collaboration with Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association or ASCHA

Students who have achieved high academic standing in an Apprenticeship or Credit program are acknowledged on the President’s or Dean’s List.

Recognition of high academic achievement earned on the Polytechnic and Apprenticeship & Industry Training exams or the last two academic terms of a Credit program are announced during the ceremony.

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In 2017, a stole was created to highlight cultural symbols important to many Indigenous students attending RDP. 

This stole was created with input from several Indigenous communities – people who support you on your journey – and it is in recognition of your academic achievements and the completion of your program at RDP.

Convocation Stole Elements

• A circle: representing the circular life cycle and houses meaningful Indigenous colours and symbols, such as the Eagle, Buffalo, Inukshuk and Treaty Agreement.
• The Métis symbol is woven into the center of the graphic as they are a part of all Nations.
• The colours white, yellow, blue, red and black respect both the Treaty 6 and 7 Nations.
• All seven Indigenous languages spoken in Alberta

To receive a Convocation Stole on June 6, check 'Indigenous Student’s Presentation' when you register to attend.

You are also invited to wear your traditional Regalia, such as a ribbon shirt or skirt, or Métis sash.

Gown Pick Up

Morning Ceremony: gowns available for pick up at 7:30 am; graduands must arrive no later than 8:15 am.

Afternoon Ceremony: gowns available for pick up at 7:30 am; graduands must arrive no later than 12:45 pm.

Graduands will pick up and return their gowns at the Arena in the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre on  Friday, June 6. This is also where you will come to line up before your ceremony.
There is no advance gown distribution available before that date.

Note:  There is no storage available for graduates on Convocation Day. Please leave your purse, personal items, coffee, etc., with family or friends. Red Deer Polytechnic will not be held responsible for the loss or theft of any valuables.

Gown Return

Gowns and hoods must be returned no later than  5 pm on Friday, June 6. Please ensure gown zippers are done up when returning the gown at the gown return tables. 
Graduates who do not return their gowns and hoods will be charged the full purchase price.

Graduates may keep their caps and honour cords as keepsakes.

Academic Dress

RDP Academic Dress, for those with University Degrees and Doctorates, follows the British tradition, which has been adopted by Canadian Colleges and Universities.

Protocol for Academic Dress of Graduands:

• Certificate, Diploma and Trades – Cap, Gown and RDP Hood 

• Applied Degree(s) – Cap, Gown and RDP Hood 

• Baccalaureate Degree – Cap, Gown and Hood  

Academic Honours Cords are given to students as a testament to their hard work and dedication.

A student will receive a gold honour cord at Convocation for achieving

• a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater in the last 60 credits of a Bachelor’s degree program, or

• a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or greater in a certificate or diploma program.

Protocol for Academic Dress of faculty & staff:

• Certificate, Diploma and Trades – Gown and RDP Hood

• Applied Degree – Gown and RDP Hood

• Baccalaureate Degree – Gown and Hood

• Graduate Degree – Gown and Hood

• Doctorate – Optional Bonnet, Gown and Hood

• Honour Cords

The protocol for Academic Dress of the Honorary Degree recipient:

• Honorary Degree – Gown and Hood

Alternatives to full Academic Dress:

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples may wear cultural objects, traditional clothing and a beaded cap instead of the traditional cap and gown.

• Cultural and religious head coverings, including hijabs, turbans, kippahs and others are encouraged and welcomed at convocation.

• Active military or policing personnel may wear their dress uniform instead of the cap and gown.

• Members of the clergy may wear religious vestments instead of the cap and gown.

Hood Colours: 

• Baccalaureate degree programs represent the discipline or field of study by a specific colour.

• Certificate & diploma programs represent RDP brand colours.

• Honorary Degree represents RDP brand colours and the discipline of Arts & includes silver trim.

Lifetouch Graduation photograph sessions:

• April 30
• May 1-2, 2025
• June 2-6, 2025

More info can be found on MyRDP.

Ceremony Photography

Graduates will receive a free photo of them crossing the stage.

An email will be sent to each graduate on how to access their photo.

RDP adheres to fire code regulations within the Fas Gas – On The Run Gymnasium, where each ceremony will take place. Graduates will have a limited number of guests that can attend. This number will be determined at a later date.

Tickets are not required, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note: If guest numbers exceed capacity or you are unable to attend the ceremony on campus, the Convocation ceremonies will be live-streamed for viewing anywhere.

Parking is free on campus during Convocation in the following lots:

• Student Parking Lot 20 next to the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre
• Public Parking Lot 22
• Staff Lots 21 and 23

View Parking for more information.

Red Deer Polytechnic’s Residence offers guest accommodation to meet your needs right on campus.

If you are looking for accommodations for the whole family, check out our four-bedroom townhouses.

Just yourself? Our Studio Residence offers the perfect single accommodations across from the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

Call 403.342.3257 or email stay@rdpolytech.ca to inquire about our guest accommodations. 

The Convocation Marketplace will be located onsite at the Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre.

Check out our RDP Grad 2025 Campus Store clothing and merchandise!

Congratulate your graduate and support student scholarships with a Convocation bouquet!

More details on how to purchase a bouquet are coming soon.